S’pore sees growing demand for research talent
The number of research scientists and engineers in Singapore as well as spending on research and development in the country is growing, according to the latest National Survey of R&D 2010 published on Tuesday by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
The survey noted a 6.4 per cent increase in the total number of research scientists and engineers (RSEs) in both public and private sectors. In 2009, the figure stood at 26,608, and it grew to 28,296 in 2010, with the private sector making more than half of those employed.
It also highlighted a 7.4 per cent growth in gross expenditure on research & development (GERD) from S$6 billion in 2009 to S$6.5 billion in 2010 as expenditure in both public and private sectors rose.
The report pointed out that the demand for research scientists and engineers with PhDs, a key indicator of R&D talent, remains strong as evidenced by the increase in PhD employment.
Commenting on the survey results, Low Teck Seng, managing director of A*STAR, said that the government's sustained investment in research has helped attract talent and private investments to Singapore.
"This is reflected in the growth of the number of RSEs in Singapore from about 23,000 to more than 28,000, between 2006 and 2010, and similarly, private sector expenditure during this period increased from S$3.3 billion to S$3.9 billion," he said.
Low believed that the growth of Singapore's pool of research talent will continue to see steady expansion, as global markets move to Asia. He expects the government's investment in R&D to create more meaningful jobs and reap economic rewards for the country.
"Under the Research, Innovation & Enterprise 2015 Plan, the growth of our research talent will continue to be the cornerstone of our long-term R&D strategy, and as global markets move to Asia, we will strengthen our efforts to forge close public-private partnerships with industry to facilitate commercialization from our R&D endeavours," he said.
More than 1000 organisations participated in the 2010 National R&D Survey.
